Focal Point on Vison Australia Radio

On FOCAL POINT: Emily Walter, National Spokesperson for the 2026 Census - 11th August, had all the relevant  news on the census including it being available   in large print, braille, just request it, you can do the census in braille, Hen Vaughan has just taken the role of audio description coordinator at Access 2 Arts. Hen invited all to the free audio-described City Lights Tour 14...

On FOCAL POINT: Carlie Towns is just back from making it to the Everest base camp - a physical, emotional and spiritual experience, connecting with her late father Ched. Alex Marcocci, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, alerted us to their current campaign,  'Illegal Firewood, The Cost is Wild' encouraging all to check that their firewood has been legally sourced and report suspicious activity.&nb...

On FOCAL POINT: David Dinte AM was recognised in this year's King's Birthday Honours for his work in the not-for-profit sector, including over two decades with a variety of roles on the board of Next Sense, and other contributions to education. Stacie Ashlet "Hyper the Clown" invited all to Club Krok, and other events during the Darwin Fringe Festival in July.  Betty McGuire OAM's work for ov...

On FOCAL POINT: Elizabeth Beales, President of the Albinism Fellowship of Australia, reflecting on International Albinism Awareness Day 13th June. The theme was "Proud In  My Skin".  Elizabeth also previewed their National Conference coming up in September in Adelaide. Rachel, from Marketing at Beyond Blindness, chatted about a number of upcoming events, including changes in the northern...

On FOCAL POINT: Rachael Leahcar, Advocate and singer/song-writer, is inviting all to the Workability Expo in Adelaide - Wayville Showgrounds 26th and 27th June 26th and 27th.  Jude Gaffney, Audio Description Coordinator at Access 2 Arts, with audio described opportunities; live shows; Illuminate and a chance to experience AD at home. Linni Oliver, from Deafblind WA: an exciting Awareness week...

On FOCAL POINT: Anne-Marie Banfield, First Nations Partnership Specialist at Hearing Australia,  wrapped up The Vision 2020/Guide Dogs Victoria,  National Reconciliation Week "All In as Allies, From Good Intentions to Meaningful Action" Alex Marcocci, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, spoke about retail crime - the impact on those working in the industry; owners; those people shopping, and h...

On FOCAL POINT: Annette Sutherland is this year's very worthy recipient of the Tammy Axelsen's Lifetime Achievement Award from the Round Table on information Access for People with a Print Disability.  Annette's vast array of contributions include guidelines for producing accessible graphics and being part of the Sydney Braille Forum - enabling students who are blind or have low vision access...

On FOCAL POINT: Francois Jacobs is so excited and looking forward to his new role at Blind Citizens Australia. Francois is Systemic Advocacy Lead. Rachel, from Marketing at Beyond Blindness, has news on member benefits; volunteer celebrations; a visit to a minature horse therapy farm at Lenswood; and more Ranjit Jacob, owner of Visitech Magnifiers and Andrew White, Managing Director, let us know w...

On FOCAL POINT: Demelza Werly shared news about work she is doing to one day enable a person who is blind or vision impaired to drive a car independently.  Demelza is working with Dr Samantha Horseman at the JCU Ideas lab James Cook University with the Pilgari Systems - an AI solution and hardware that can be installed into any vehicle. Jude Gafney, Audio Description Coordinator for Access 2...

On FOCAL POINT: Alex Sar shared highlights of the recent Deafblind Camp in Victoria -  attended by campers from all around Australia. Alex Marcocci, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, had information regarding Bystanders playing a vital role in preventing elder abuse. Sarah Richardson, CEO for Health-Bright, spoke about many phobias affecting Australians every day. Emma Lawrence, Operations Direct...

On FOCAL POINT: Jarrod Sandell-Hay, Vice President for People with Disabilities Australia, sharing his concerns; insights and observations from the recently announced planned cuts to the NDIS.  Tony Scott, previewing the Australian Nationawn Bowls Championships from 13th May at Club Tweed.  Tony has an invitation to a come n try day 24th May 24th at the Kensington Bowling Club, Kensingto...

On FOCAL POINT: Iconyx, a proud Indigenous award-winning singer/song writer, chatted about an illustrious career so far and the recently released album Black on Track - as well as being on the ABC's The piano. Sophie Slattery, assistance dog Instructor at See Differently, spoke about the 12 years of Operation K-9 - a program making huge difference to our returned service people better manage PTSAI...

On FOCAL POINT: Molly Smith, has returned with the Aussie Belles Goalball team from Europe.  Molly was equal highest goal scorer in the tournament, and the team placed 3rd, Rachel, from Beyond Blindness marketing, had news on events and activities, including, volunteering opportunities; walking groups; 10 pin bowling; "moving into dance" can do from a chair and a sausage sizzle at the Windsor...

On FOCAL POINT:  Aasha Rose is a PHD student at the University of Southern Queensland doing research into braille literacy and people's quality of life.  Aasha would love you to take part in the survey. (Available under "Resources" in the podcast notes. Jude Gafney, Audio Description Co-ordinator from Access 2 Arts, with news on the tactile tour and audio description of RBG of Many - abo...

On Focal Point: Susan Harris,  was legally blind until 6 years ago with Multiple Sclerosis, then Susan's sight returned, shared Susan's lived experiences, Susan works with TwinView Health, providing support services to individuals with  vision impairment, those on the NDIS, My aged Care and veterans, 08 8166 2686 https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.twinviewhealth.com__;!!BW9V2p7J0Kl2Q...

On FOCAL POINT: Dr James Daley, Medical Director Pathology Services  from the Redcross Blood Bank, had news on new eye drops developed from donated blood,  AlloSED, with incredible results. Bradley Brider, Australian Blind cricketer, is off to New Zealand with the South Australian team and friends to play and help the game thrive, Erin Mortimer performed on the ABC's show "The Piano".&nb...

On Wednesday 18th March 2026 Peter Greco presented his first lot of Live Radio since the COVID Pandemic.   Peters Guests are:  Stephen Farrawell from Special Olympics South Australia Will Crowe from Stretchy-Tech Mac Bollalla from SA Electoral Commission See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On FOCAL POINT: Tony Clark, Mayor of the Hepburn Shire Council, spoke about the challenges; lessons learnt and  achievements to attain this Role as well as a number of portfolio positions Tony holds. Rachel, from marketing at Beyond Blindness, paid tribute to 4 volunteers recently recognised for over 89 years combiner valued service - other volunteer roles available. Mona Hemsley, Head of Aud...

On FOCAL POINT: Dr Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar, Chairman of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India, gave us an insight into how popular the game is in India for athletes and how well it is supported and the opportunities the game enables, a blind cricket version of IPL? Rebecca Young, CEO for Access 2 Arts, with information about  Next Level Creative Mentorships (A $3,000 project fundi...

  On FOCAL POINT: Scott Dixon Smith took part in Sydney's Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade. Scot was accompanied by his guide dog Pretzel, from Guide Dogs NSW & ACT - Guide with Pride. Eliza Lovell, Community Arts Project Officer from the City of Campbelltown invited all to a free audio-described Fringe Festival Event, Connection a visual art exhibition that looks at how we relate to e...

On FOCAL POINT: Nicola Ettridge is a highly respected and accomplished advocate. Nicola talked about losing her hearing at 21 and then becoming the advocate; support; role model and leader. Nicole also reflected on International Women's Day, and work finding employment opportunities for people of all abilities, especially in non metropolitan Australia. Dr Frances Gentle, chatted about the joint IC...

 On FOCAL POINT: Dr Kari Seeley is a researcher from Curtin University who  invited all Audio Description users & creators in Australia to share their experiences and thoughts about AD -  in March, in person and also online if you choose. (Details under Resources in the Podcast Notes) Rachel from Marketing, at Beyond Blindness, had news on a Wills and Estates information session...

 On FOCAL POINT: Bill Stavreski, Head of Research at the Leukaemia Foundation, released research for World Cancer Day. This Research showing the grim news that First Nations Australians are dying at far higher rates from blood cancer, and challenged all to take part in the world's greatest Shave. Skye Bee, Operations Manager for Access 2 Arts, invited all to Celebrate the Opening of Fringe 20...

On FOCAL POINT: David Rice OAM, recognised in this year's Australia Day Honours for his  roles as  voluntary Treasurer for ICEVI Pacific, SPEVI; and Round Table On Information Access For People With Print Disabilities. Mia Gardiner, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, shared information to help children be safe  -especially as they return to school. Jeremy Moses, comedian, invited all to...

On FOCAL POINT: Abey Finklea is the  Captain of the United States Women's Blind Cricket Team. The Team played in the first ever Women's World Cup - from no players knowing about the game to World Cup appearances in less than 5 months! Dylan Haar, Artistic Director for On The Fly Impro Theatre, with an invitation to "The Bat"  This format is unique because it is both completely improvised...